This year I have been struggling with running on so many levels. Maybe it’s reduced effort, maybe I am just getting older, but the pieces just aren’t coming together as they have in the past. And then a day like today comes along and I realize why I keep trying. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with a hard effort is the best!
For the past few runs, I have been running to Ijams Nature Center, along the Will Skelton Greenway and around the parking lot at the Welcome Center. Once or twice I ventured onto the old paved trail around the old homestead but that was the extent of my trail running. Today, determined to complete five miles (and to avoid that very nasty hill on the greenway), I detoured to the unpaved trails on the outskirts of the Ijams.
Once I veered on the woodland trail, I headed toward the boardwalk along the river. The trail was mostly flat, very well groomed and an easy run. As a bonus, I caught frequent glimpses of the river. Once on the river boardwalk, I slowed to be sure I did not miss a step up or down as the boardwalk changes levels to accommodate rocks and trees.
Shortly past the boardwalk, the trail forks and I had to make a split decision left or right. I chose left and immediately realized the error of my choice. The trail began to climb immediately and steeply for .2 miles. I walked most of the hill to be sure I still had enough to give for the run home. During the walk I set a goal to be able to run up the hill. It will take a bit of work!
The run home was pleasant. On the outskirts of Ijams, a light rain began to fall. By the time I reached the greenway I was running in a steady rain. Very cooling after a good effort…
Today’s run
We are now into week two of car shopping. Since the 1996 I30 has reached 500,000 miles, it is behaving like a little old person and I risk being stranded somewhere. We are looking at gently used cars and have test driven a:
Nissan Altima (boring)
Honda Element (odd)
Honda Fit (cute but really small)
Nissan Rogue (nice, like driving a sedan)
Subaru Legacy sedan (like driving a little sports car)
Subaru Forrester (a bit truck like)
Subaru Outback (another sedan type ride).
The list has been narrowed down to a Subaru. John is less fond of the 2009 Forrester, I like the Outback but it is slightly higher mileage and higher price AND the dashboard has a few screws implanted where someone must have mounted a GPS system. The Legacy sedan is in our price range, the right mileage and will probably be our choice.
